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Stenographer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stenographer

[stษชหˆnษ‘หษกrษ™fษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

professional

A stenographer is a person whose job is to transcribe spoken or recorded speech into written form using a special shorthand machine or system.

Synonyms

court reporter, transcriber, typist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stenographer

Used for individuals who specialize in capturing spoken words into written text using shorthand, often in courtrooms or meetings. It's a traditional term.

  • The stenographer quickly jotted down every word spoken during the trial.
  • She worked as a stenographer for many years before switching careers.
transcriber

A transcriber can work in various fields, converting recorded or spoken speech into written form. This term is more general and not limited to legal settings.

  • The transcriber spent hours converting the podcast into a written document.
  • He works at home as a transcriber, turning interviews into text.
typist

Refers to a person who types text from various sources. This role does not necessarily involve specialized training in transcription or shorthand.

  • As a typist, she is responsible for entering data from paper forms into the computer system.
  • The company hired several typists to handle the increased workload.
court reporter

This term is specifically used for professionals who transcribe spoken or recorded speech during legal proceedings. Often implies certification and specialization in legal settings.

  • The court reporter provided an accurate transcript of the entire hearing.
  • Due to her excellent skills, she became one of the most sought-after court reporters in the city.

Examples of usage

  • The stenographer quickly transcribed the lawyer's statement during the trial.
  • The stenographer's accuracy and speed are crucial in the courtroom.
Context #2 | Noun

courtroom

In a legal setting, a stenographer is responsible for creating an accurate and verbatim record of court proceedings, including testimonies, statements, and judgments.

Synonyms

court reporter, stenotypist, verbatim reporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stenographer

This word is a direct synonym to the first entry, generally indicating someone who types or writes shorthand.

  • She was hired as a stenographer due to her fast typing skills
  • The stenographer transcribed the interview verbatim
court reporter

Specific to legal settings, this term is used for professionals who transcribe spoken words during court proceedings, depositions, and other legal events.

  • The court reporter meticulously documented the entire trial
  • He has been a court reporter for over a decade
stenotypist

This term often refers to someone who uses a stenotype machine, commonly found in both legal and non-legal professional settings.

  • The stenotypist quickly inputted the data
  • She trained as a stenotypist to work in the court system
verbatim reporter

This is used in contexts where exact accuracy is emphasized, often similarly to court reporter but can apply to any scenario requiring precise word-for-word transcription.

  • As a verbatim reporter, she had to ensure that every word was captured accurately
  • He found a job as a verbatim reporter at a transcription service

Examples of usage

  • The stenographer ensures that every word spoken in the courtroom is accurately recorded.
  • The judge relied on the stenographer's transcript to review the witness's testimony.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Modern stenographers often use machines called steno keyboards, which allow them to type phonetic sounds instead of standard letters.
  • Voice recognition software is increasingly being integrated into stenography, allowing for real-time transcription via speech.

Legal System

  • Stenographers play a critical role in legal settings, providing accurate records of everything said during trials and depositions.
  • In many jurisdictions, only certified stenographers can produce official transcripts, underscoring the importance of accuracy in their work.

Pop Culture

  • Stenographers have appeared in movies and TV shows, often portrayed as fast-paced professionals working behind the scenes in courtrooms.
  • In the hit television series 'The Good Wife', a stenographer's role is highlighted during courtroom scenes, bringing attention to the profession.

Education

  • Stenography is taught in vocational schools, focusing on speed and accuracy to prepare students for real-world transcription jobs.
  • Professional organizations, like the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), help set standards and provide resources for aspiring stenographers.

Origin of 'stenographer'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek words 'stenos', meaning narrow or close, and 'grapho', meaning to write.
  • The profession gained recognition in the 19th century when shorthand became essential for court reporters.

The word 'stenographer' originated from the Greek words 'steno' meaning 'narrow' or 'small' and 'graphos' meaning 'writer' or 'writing'. Stenographers have been essential in various fields, including legal, medical, and journalism, for accurately documenting spoken words. Over the years, stenography techniques have evolved from traditional shorthand to modern stenotype machines, improving efficiency and accuracy in transcription.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,410, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.